Hip traction device, system, and methods

Abstract

A hip traction device, system, and associated methods are disclosed. Such a device may include a base having a proximal end and a distal end, a guide coupled to the base, a carrier configured to move along the guide upon receiving a force from a tensioner to move the carrier toward the distal end of the base, causing a leg to be put in tension, and a single body coupling mechanism either removably attachable or permanently attached to the carrier and configured to securely attach to a lower portion of a leg, such that the portion of the leg moves with the carrier during operation of the tensioner.

1 . A hip traction system, comprising:
 a base having a proximal end and a distal end;   a guide coupled to the base;   a carrier configured to move along the guide;   a tensioner configured to provide a force to the carrier to move the carrier toward the distal end of the base, causing a leg to be put in tension; and   a single body coupling mechanism configured for securely attaching a portion of a user's leg to the carrier, such that the portion of the user's leg moves with the carrier during operation of the tensioner.   
     
     
         2 . The hip traction system of  claim 1 , wherein the base, the guide, the carrier, and the tensioner form an assembly configured as a single unit. 
     
     
         3 . The hip traction system of  claim 1 , wherein the base, the guide, and the carrier form a single unit assembly and the tensioner comprises a separate unit, and wherein the tensioner and the carrier are removably coupleable to one another. 
     
     
         4 . The hip traction system of  claim 3 , wherein the base and the tensioner are removably coupleable to one another. 
     
     
         5 . The hip traction system of  claim 1 , further comprising a pivot member coupled to the base and coupleable to a support structure to provide for rotation of the base about the support structure. 
     
     
         6 . The hip traction system of  claim 1 , wherein the body coupling mechanism is either removably attachable or permanently attached to the carrier. 
     
     
         7 . The traction system of  claim 1 , further comprising a cover to protect the hip traction system during transit that at least partially encloses an underside of the base. 
     
     
         8 . The traction system of  claim 7 , wherein the cover comprises a top cover and a bottom cover. 
     
     
         9 . The traction system of  claim 8 , wherein the top cover is integrated with the base. 
     
     
         10 . The traction system of  claim 1 , wherein the tensioner comprises a pneumatic cylinder. 
     
     
         11 . The traction system of  claim 10 , wherein the tensioner further comprises a pump to pressurize the pneumatic cylinder. 
     
     
         12 . The traction system of  claim 11 , wherein the pump is a hand pump. 
     
     
         13 . The traction system of  claim 11 , wherein the pump is an electric pump. 
     
     
         14 . The traction system of  claim 13 , further comprising a controller configured to execute a duty cycle by controlling force amount and/or duration provided by the tensioner to the carrier. 
     
     
         15 . The traction system of  claim 1 , wherein the tensioner comprises a hydraulic cylinder. 
     
     
         16 . traction system of  claim 1 , further comprising a controller configured to execute a duty cycle by controlling force amount and/or duration provided by the tensioner to the carrier. 
     
     
         17 . The traction system of  claim 1 , wherein the body coupling mechanism comprises a bracket for removably attaching to the carrier, and further wherein the carrier comprises a receiving portion configured to engage with the bracket for removably attaching to the body coupling mechanism. 
     
     
         18 . The traction system of  claim 17 , wherein the bracket comprises a hook and the receiving portion comprises a catch configured to engage with the hook. 
     
     
         19 . The traction system of  claim 17 , wherein the receiving portion comprises a hook and the bracket comprises a catch configured to engage with the hook. 
     
     
         20 . The traction system of  claim 1 , wherein the tensioner provides the force to the carrier via a member in compression. 
     
     
         21 - 31 . (canceled)